Top-Shelf – Islanders Daily 10/8/13

Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

After a couple of days off, the New York Islanders return to the Nassau Coliseum tonight to faceoff against the Phoenix Coyotes. Having not played a Western Conference team in 549 days, the Isles will begin a stretch of teams they have not since in over a year.

After first hearing of Cal Clutterbuck’s diagnoses of a skate laceration to the leg, the team and fans alike were given a timeline of 4-6 weeks before he would return to the Islanders roster. Although Clutterbuck did fully participate in practice yesterday, it looks to be a game time decision whether or not Cluttlerbuck makes his Islanders debut at home or on the road. Either way, his return is eminent, and roster adjustments will be made accordingly.

Be on the lookout from the Eyes on Isles team for updates regarding Cal Clutterbuck, tonights lineups, and sights, sounds, and bits from the NYI Blog Box.

In Case You Missed It:

Islanders Youngsters Proving They Belong : But Do They Stay? (Eyes on Isles)

Islanders Must Make Room With Cal Clutterbuck Close to Returning (Newsday)

In Order For New York Islanders To Contend, Fast Start Needs To Continue (Rant Sports)

With Clutterbuck Ahead of Schedule, Isles Have Roster Decision to Make (Islanders Point Blank)

Two Minutes for Tweeting:

• I’d love to have Clutterbuck’s debut be at home. The Coyotes are a physical team and his presence could be felt right from the get-go. He’s already a fan favorite and hasn’t even dressed for a regulation game. Should be some exciting hockey once Martin and Clutterbuck can begin the hit show.

• Whether you’re a fan of the Giants, Jets, or some other NFL team, one thing is certain: no matter how good or bad they may be, there’s always hockey…Isles hockey to be specific. Two days off feels like an eternity. Thankfully, the boys hit the ice again tonight.

• I was floored when I first read this statistic. It’s hard to believe Head Coach Jack Capuano is the 7th most tenured coach in the League heading into his fourth season with the Isles. His coaching style, system, and belief in this young team has been a much needed change from constantly rotating coaches.

Across the Sound:

Across the Sound is Eyes on Isles’ brief updates on the happenings within the New York Islanders AHL affiliate: the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

This past Sunday, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers notched their first win of the 2013-14 AHL season with a 4-3 shootout victory over the Norfolk Admirals. Ryan Strome picked up where he left off at the end of the Sound Tigers season with a couple of assists. Long Island native Joey Diamond also got on the board with a go-ahead goal before the Admirals tied the game. Anders Nilsson got the start in net and finished the game with 32 saves on 35 attempts.

Scoring:

• G: Riley Wetmore A: Joe Finley
• G: Andrey Pedan A: Ryan Strome, Anders Lee
• G: Joey Diamond A: Aaron Ness, Ryan Strome